Some Basics...

• Emergency contraception (birth control) works well to prevent pregnancy after sex. It works best if taken right away after sex. But it can be taken up to 5 days later.
• Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are just for emergency situations. They do not work as well as regular birth control methods (pills, condoms, IUDs) in preventing pregnancy.
• ECPs do not prevent STDs. Latex condoms are the only effective way to prevent STDs during sex.
• There are 2 types of emergency birth control. There are emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) which are also called morning after pills. There are also intrauterine devices (IUDs).
• A person can buy ECPs at a drugstore. A person can also get ECPs or IUDs from a doctor, public health clinic, or Planned Parenthood office.

When Should a Woman Consider Using Emergency Birth Control?

• Not using any birth control method (unprotected sex)
• Condom broke or slipped off penis
• Diaphragm or cervical cap was taken out too early
• Failed coitus interruptus (semen was ejaculated into the vagina or on the outside of the vagina)
• Spermicide was used alone during second or third week of menstrual cycle
• Missed more than 2 birth control pills
• Started birth control pill pack more than 2 days late
• Delay in getting scheduled birth control shot
• Sexual assault (not on birth control pill or do not have an IUD)

What are Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)?

ECPs are hormone pills that prevent pregnancy after sex. They are also called "morning after pills," "morning after contraception," or "day after pills."

• ECPs can be taken right away after sex. While they can be taken up to 5 days after sex, they work best if taken right away.
• ECPs do not work as well as regular birth control methods in preventing pregnancy.
• ECPs do not prevent STDs.
• ECPs are 95% effective at preventing pregnancy if taken within 24 hours of sex. They are 85% effective if taken within 72 hours of sex. The sooner the ECPs are taken, the less chance of getting pregnant.
• ECPs are used to prevent unwanted pregnancy after sexual assault, broken condom, or forgetting to use birth control.
• The normal cost of ECPs is $20-30.

Where Can a Person Get ECPs?

• The doctor
• Public health clinic
• Planned Parenthood office
• Drugstores

Is a Prescription Needed for ECPs?

• Australia: ECPs are sold over-the-counter (OTC).
• Canada: ECPs are sold OTC in the form of Plan B (levonorgestrel).
• United States: ECPs are sold OTC. Women who are 17 and over can buy Plan B. Men and women who are 18 and over can also buy other ECPs.

What are Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)?

• IUDs work very well to prevent pregnancy after sex. An IUD can reduce the pregnancy rate by 99%. The IUD must be inserted into the uterus within 5 days of sex. This must be done by a doctor.
• Advantages: It can prevent pregnancy for up to 5-10 years. Low risk of side effects (see below).
• Disadvantages: It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Side Effects: Some women have mild cramps or back pain after the IUD is put in. This may last a few hours. Some women may have mild cramping and bleeding for 1-2 weeks after the IUD is put in. Women may have heavier periods after getting an IUD. This often happens with copper IUDs.
• Cost: The normal cost of getting an IUD is $600 (United States).

1. What You Should Know:
   • Emergency contraception (birth control) works well to prevent pregnancy after sex. It works best if taken right away after sex, but can be taken up to 5 days after sex.
   • ECPs are just for emergency situations.
   • ECPs do not work as well as regular birth control methods in preventing pregnancy.
   • ECPs do not prevent STDs.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
     
2. How Effective are ECPs? Of women who have unprotected sex in week 2 or 3 of their menstrual cycle:
   • 8 out of 100 women will get pregnant without using an ECP
   • 3-4 out of 100 women will get pregnant if they use an ECP 3-5 days after sex
   • 1-2 out of 100 women will get pregnant if they use an ECP less than 3 days after sex
3. Side Effects of ECPs
   • Nausea: 30-60% of women
   • Vomiting: 5-20% of women
   • Stomach pain: 10-20% of women
   • Fatigue and headache: 10-20% of women
   • Change in periods: 50% of women
4. Do I Need a Prescription for ECPs?
   • Australia: ECPs are sold over-the-counter (OTC). Examples are Levonelle-1, NorLevo, and Postinor.
   • Canada: ECPs are sold OTC. Examples are NorLevo and Plan B.
   • United States: ECPs are sold OTC. Women who are 17 and over can buy Plan B. Men and women who are 18 and over can also buy other ECPs. Examples are Next Choice, Plan B, and Plan B One-Step.
5. Emergency Contraception Hotline - United States:
   • Run by the Association or Reproductive Health Professionals
   • Hotline has information and phone numbers of ECP providers.
   • Toll-free phone number: 800-584-9911
   • Their website is also helpful: http://ec.princeton.edu/providers/index.html
6. Internet Resources:
   • The Emergency Contraception Website: http://ec.princeton.edu. This is a very useful website with answers to many questions. This website also lists doctors and clinics that provide ECPs.
   • Canadian Paediatric Society Adolescent Health Committee: http://www.cps.ca/documents/position/emergency-contraception
   • International Consortium for Emergency Contraception: http://www.cecinfo.org/
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • You have other questions or concerns

1. What You Should Know:
   • Home pregnancy tests do not cost much and are easy to use. Most drugstores sell these tests over-the-counter (OTC).
   • Urine pregnancy tests are very accurate. They can often tell if you are pregnant during the first week after your missed period. This will be 2 weeks after you ovulate.
   • The test works best with urine from when you first wake up in the morning.
   • If you believe you are pregnant and the home test is negative, repeat it in 3-5 days. You should also talk to your doctor about other testing.
   • The pregnancy test may not work right if there is blood in your urine. A small amount of blood should not cause a problem.
   • You can find more information at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/
2. Pregnancy Test, When in Doubt:
   • If there is a chance that you might be pregnant, use a urine pregnancy test.
   • You can buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore.
   • It works best first thing in the morning.
   • Follow all package instructions.
3. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pregnancy test is positive or you have trouble with the at-home test
   • You get worse